Former Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer gives heartbreaking update

Renowned Australian melanoma expert Professor Richard Scolyer has bravely shared his latest prognosis with the world after undergoing experimental brain surgery.

A leading melanoma researcher and Australian of the Year recipient has revealed he has just months to live following the return of his brain cancer.

Diagnosed with incurable brain cancer two years ago, Richard Scolyer volunteered for experimental treatment, and following the treatment, he defied the six-month prognosis.

In November, he was told he was cancer-free.

But an operation last week found the tumours had returned to his brain.

Professor Scolyer shared the dire prognosis on social media:

“Unfortunately there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer in my left brain. The prognosis is poor.

“Whilst some of my recurrent tumour was removed last week, some of it couldn’t be because of its site.”

He wrote that while some of the treatment he received may have made a difference, more clinical trials are needed.

He hoped the data produced by his treatment, and which has been published in Nature Medicine journal, “will make a difference for others.”

I greatly appreciate the support of all my family, friends & colleagues who have been looking after me so well & the incredible research that has been performed. I hope the latter will change the field & patient outcomes in the not too distant future.”

His post was greeted by thousands of well wishes.

Professor Scolyer had previously shared his journey with the world, undergoing the surgery after changes were detected in the world-leading pathologist’s recent brain scans, The Australian reports.

Professor Scolyer, who specialises in the diagnosis of melanoma, was diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma in June 2023.

“Thankyou to everyone for your kind thoughts and well wishes,” Prof Solyer wrote on Instagram page.

“I have undergone what is complex surgery and am incredibly grateful to my medical team at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse for their exceptional care and support, particularly A/Prof Brindha Shivalingam.

“I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to my family & friends for their unconditional love and unwavering support throughout this journey.

“Now I am focused on my recovery and will share more updates when I am able. Thankyou in advance for your patience and understanding.”

Australians and cancer experts around the world are now holding their breath as he awaits the results of his surgery.

Professor Richard Scolyer has had brain surgery.

“Unfortunately, my recent scans show some new changes which could be an effect of my previous treatment or recurrent brain tumour,” Professor Scolyer said on Instagram last month.

“I might need surgery in a few weeks time to obtain some tissue so the smart neuropathology team can help to figure this out.”

Just days ago, The Australian reported, Professor Scolyer confirmed the surgery would go ahead “to help the brilliant team looking after me try and sort out the nature of the changes in my brain detected on various recent scans”.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler gave Professor Scolyer his best wishes as he continues his fight.

Professor Richard Scolyer and Professor Georgina Long meet King Charles during his 2024 Australian visit. Picture: AFP

“Professor Scolyer is a fighter and I wish him all the best in his ongoing treatment,” Mr Butler said.

Following his diagnosis, Professor Scolyer tested an experimental immunotherapy, pioneered by his colleague and fellow Australian cancer specialist Professor Georgina Long, on himself.

Follow-up testing of his tumour tissues showed promising changes and until recently, further scans had not shown any abnormalities, raising hopes about the fresh approach to brain cancer treatment.

In 2024, he and Professor Long were jointly named Australians of the Year in recognition of the thousands of lives they have saved by pioneering new treatments for melanoma using immunotherapy.

Originally published as Former Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer gives heartbreaking update